(Photo)catalytic propene hydration to 2-propanol in gas-solid system. Glycerol dehydration to acrolein in liquid solid system. Keggin heteropolyacids (HPAs) supported on TiO2 as the catalysts or photocatalysts. Key role played by Keggin HPA species in (photo)catalytic reactions. Dual role of materials used both as catalysts and photocatalysts.